RELATIVES of a train factory worker who died from a fatal asbestos-related disease have launched a legal battle for compensation against the famous Birmingham company where he worked.

Stanley Burford, from Bartley Green, died from mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos during his life.

His family believe Mr Burford may have been exposed to asbestos dust while working for Saltley-based train manufacturers Metro Cammell between 1950 and 1960 and his legal team are now trying to track down his work colleagues to help in their fight.

Mr Burford worked inside train carriages at the site where it is believed that the interiors were sprayed with asbestos, which at the time was used as an insulating material.

Mr Burford's son, Anthony Burford, from Stourbridge, said his father died aged 86 in February 2006 from mesothelioma.

"My dad was diagnosed with mesothelioma in August 2005, just six months before he died," said Anthony. "He suffered terribly during his last months from this horrible illness and he has left behind a family who miss him very much."

The family decided to take legal action after an inquest into Mr Burford at Birmingham Coroner's Court in June 2006 returned a verdict that he died as a result of an industrial disease.

Family solicitor Iain Shool-bred, from the Birmingham law firm Irwin Mitchell, said: "It is vital, in order for Stanley's family to obtain some recompense from the debilitating illness from which he died, that people who have information concerning the working practices and contracts undertaken at Metro Cammell in the 1950s and 1960s come forward to help us with our enquiries.

"We do know that at the time Stanley worked at Metro Cammell in Saltley, he drove a very distinctive Ford V8 Pilot car in two tone green and this may jog the memories of ex-colleagues."